Thomas Addison was born in 1795 near Newcastle upon Tyne. He was educated at Newcastle Grammar School. He studied medicine at Edinburgh University, graduating in 1815 and joining the staff of St George’s Hospital later the same year. He initially studied dermatology and in 1820 moved to Guy’s Hospital. He was highly regarded as a teacher and doctor. He described the endocrine disease of the adrenal glands that bears his name in a book published in 1855. A long-time sufferer from depression, he committed suicide in 1860 in Brighton.

His celebrated work in endocrinology and connection with St George’s led to his name being given to the newly commissioned unit dedicated to the speciality.

His signature used in the unit is taken from the time he signed onto the staff in 1815.